Arrests Made in Shooting Incident
Authorities have taken five individuals into custody this week, with three facing charges of attempted murder related to the shooting of an Indiana judge.
Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly Meyer, were shot at their residence in Lafayette, Indiana, approximately 63.6 miles northwest of Indianapolis, last Sunday around 2:17 p.m. local time. Judge Meyer sustained an injury to his arm, while Mrs. Meyer was hit in the hip by gunfire, as reported by the Lafayette Police Department.
The couple was reportedly lured to their door by one suspect who claimed to have found a dog before opening fire through the door. Mrs. Meyer was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, but Judge Meyer remains hospitalized in stable condition.
This past Thursday, law enforcement officials announced the arrest of five suspects linked to the shooting incident.
The suspects include Blake Smith, 32; Thomas Moss, 43; both from Lafayette; and Raylen Ferguson, 38, from Lexington, Kentucky. Each faces multiple charges including attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Additionally, they face enhancements related to gang activity and firearm use.
Moss and Smith are alleged members of the Phantom MC motorcycle club with connections to the Almighty Vice Lord Nation street gang that Ferguson is purportedly affiliated with.
Moss is currently involved in another legal case where he faces charges such as intimidation and domestic battery for allegedly firing a gun into a building. Notably, Judge Meyer is presiding over that case which was set for trial on Tuesday.
The remaining suspects include Amanda Milsap, 45; arrested for bribery and obstruction of justice; and Zenada Greer, 61; charged with obstruction of justice and aiding a criminal act. Milsap allegedly attempted to bribe Moss’s ex-girlfriend not to testify against him during his trial while Greer resides with Ferguson according to court documents.
Judge Meyer expressed his commitment to the judicial system despite this violent incident stating: “I want the community to know that I have strong faith in our judicial system. This horrific violence will not shake my belief in the importance of peacefully resolving disputes.” He added that he remains confident in having one of the best judicial systems globally and takes pride in being part of it.
